CCA Junior League 1B

Linton Village 166-9 (40 overs)

Ashwell 168-3 (32 overs)

Ashwell won by seven wickets

ASHWELL delivered a well-rounded team performance on Saturday to overcome Linton and record their second league victory of the season.

Under leaden skies at Ashwell’s recreation ground, skipper Martin Talks won the toss and elected to field. The decision seemed justified as Gary Simmons (4-39) and Talks himself (2-34) ripped through Linton’s top order – leaving them reeling at 81-6 at the halfway point of their innings.

Linton came out fighting after drinks, though, with Joseph (56) taking advantage of any inaccuracy in Ashwell’s bowling and lifting the total to 166-9 from the full 40 overs.

Other wickets fell to Jonathan Merrell (2-28) and Graham Scott (1-24).

The total was probably 30 or 40 more than Ashwell wanted or had expected to chase, but their reply got off to a lightning quick start despite the early loss of Peter Leete for 13.

Mark Doughty (59) and Gary Simmons (35) steadied the ship and took Ashwell’s score beyond the 100 mark before they were parted - Simmons falling to a good low catch in the covers.

In partnership with Martyn Deal, Tim Moynihan dispelled any lingering doubts about the result with a brutish 29*, including three 6s that disappeared into the gardens on the other side of Lucas Lane.

Ashwell reached their target of 168 for the loss of three wickets with eight overs to spare.

Two wins from the first four games hint at some stability for Ashwell following relegation from the Senior League, and the club will hope to build on this performance against Little Shelford this weekend.